Saudi Arabia bans import of Indian pepper

JEDDAH : Saudi authorities have decided to impose ban on the import of all types of pepper from India. According to reports, presence of high levels of pesticides in the Indian consignment was the reason for the import restriction. According to the Indian Spices Board, chilli peppers are one of India’s largest foreign currency earners, and between April and November 2013 a quantity of 181,500 tons of chilli peppers worth $3 million were exported.

An Indian commerce ministry official said that due to incidence of pest infestation in some consignments of potatoes imported from India, the Russian authorities have also warned on the imposition of restrictions.